Tag Archives: nut-free

Birthday Bash: Gluten-Free Cake and Icing Reviews

 

This is a master list of the best gluten-free boxed cake mixes and premade frostings with reviews! Pin now, reference later so you can make baking gluten-free desserts easy whether you want a cake, cupcakes, or are using a cake mix to make cookies, bars, or other sweet treat! Rated by taste, whether they’re moist or dry, and more! reviews include: King Arthur, Simple Mills, and Bob’s Red Mill!

Birthday Bash: Gluten-Free Cake and Icing Reviews

One of the questions I get the most from readers is: “What is the best gluten-free cake mix?”  Whether getting ready for a birthday party or wanting to use a gluten-free cake mix as the base of another recipe entirely (like bars or cookies), finding a good gluten-free cake mix opens up many gluten-free baking possibilities!  Keep on reading for reviews of gluten-free cake mix and frosting!

This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.

Gluten-Free Cake Mix

King Arthur Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix

King Arthur is a brand I enjoyed even before I knew gluten-free was a thing.  Their baking mixes (regular and gluten-free) are delicious and when I first started experimenting with gluten-free baking I started with King Arthur mixes.  When I read the ingredient list on the box of the King Arthur gluten-free yellow cake mix I was relieved to see that it didn’t contain gluten, dairy, soy, or nuts!  The box even has clear directions on the back for how to keep the cake dairy-free.  Score!

To make this cake mix you will need to add:

  • ½ cup butter (to keep it dairy-free and soy-free I used Earth Balance Soy Free)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (I used this avocado oil)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup milk (to keep it dairy/nut/soy free I used this coconut milk)

I baked my cake in my 12 inch Wilton Aluminum Round Cake Pan and sprayed it with Chosen Foods avocado oil spray since it doesn’t contain soy as a propellant.  The directions require you to use an electric mixer.  I used my Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer with the flat beater.

So, what was the verdict?

Pros:

Baked King Arthur Gluten-Free cake, yellow mix
The cake right when I took it out of the oven–perfectly golden!
  • Ummm… this cake is DELICIOUS!
  • It’s moist (not crumbly or dense as you find in so many other gluten-free cakes)
  • It held up well coming out of the pan
  • King Arthur’s gluten-free products are certified gluten free by GFCO.  Learn more about certification in this post.

Cons:

  • If you haven’t made a King Arthur mix before, there are more steps involved than a typical cake mix that you just throw together and toss in the oven. It’s a bit labor intensive, but not at all difficult.

Overall Score: 5/5

This is the cake mix I most often bring to events or parties.  Often, people will choose it and like it  more than the gluten-filled desserts.  This truly is a delicious mix.

Although you can find this product at many local grocery stores and on Amazon.com, I find that it is usually cheaper at Thrive Market.

Click here to read more about Thrive Market and why I love it!

Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine?
Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!

Simple Mills Vanilla Cupcake & Cake Mix

This gluten-free cake mix is a great option if you are trying to eat paleo-friendly!  It’s an easy one to whip together, plus it only contains a few simple ingredients (yes, simple).  The box has directions for making one 8 inch round cake or 12 cupcakes.

To make this gluten-free cake mix you’ll need:

I baked it in my 8 inch Wilton Aluminum Round Cake Pan sprayed with Chosen Foods avocado oil spray dusted with the cake mix (per box directions).  I whisked the mix with my silicone whisk.

Pros:

Simple Mills Vanilla Gluten-Free Cake Mix
The finished product–while you can’t really see the cake itself, you can tell that it held up its shape well out of the pan and didn’t cave in!
  • This gluten-free cake mix is not only certified gluten-free, but grain-free and only contains 6 ingredients!
  • It’s paleo-friendly, dairy-free, and soy-free (it does contain nuts however).
  • Quick and easy to mix up and get in the oven!
  • The box directions of dusting the pan was great for ensuring that it did not stick
  • The cake was moist (not crumbly like many grain-free cake recipes)
  • The vanilla taste was prominent and super yummy!

Cons:

  • We used grapeseed oil in the mix, and there was a hint of the taste.  The next time we make it we will experiment with different oils.

Overall Score: 4.5/5

Although you can find this product at many local grocery stores and on Amazon.com, I find that this also is often cheaper at Thrive Market.
 
 

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Vanilla Yellow Cake Mix

Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flours and cake mixes have been around for years.  They’ve been in the gluten-free business a loooong time, so they have a large variety of products!  One bag of this gluten-free cake mix makes a lot of batter.  It can make 2- 8in or 9in round pans, a 9x13in pan, or 18-20 standard sized cupcakes.

To make this gluten-free cake mix, you’ll need:

  • 3 eggs
  • butter or vegetable oil (we used butter)
  • water

We made ours in a 9×13 pan sprayed with Chosen Foods avocado oil spray and mixed with my Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer using the whisk attachment.

Pros:

Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Yellow Cake
We didn’t dress this up fancy, because it was becoming trifle!
  • The flavor of this cake mix is a pretty classic vanilla cake flavor
  • One package makes a lot of cake
  • The package also includes directions to make a white cake

Cons:

  • The cake is a bit crumbly
  • The finished product can turn out dense (which is why I beat it with the whisk attachment to give it some more air)

Overall Score: 3.5/5

While we buy this mix frequently, we don’t usually eat it straight up as cake.  This is a mix we often turn into something else (most recently my mom used it as the cake base in trifle).  When we have this mix, we often reference our book: The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free to ‘doctor’ it up!

Krusteaz Gluten Free Vanilla Yellow Cake Mix

Krusteaz has a great variety of gluten free baking mixes and while you can buy them online at Amazon, often these mixes are easily found at your local grocery store.

To make this cake mix you’ll need:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 stick butter

We baked ours in mini silicone cupcake pans sprayed with and mixed with my Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer using the whisk attachment.

Pros:

  • Mixes together smoothly
  • Affordable
  • Easily found at local grocery store

Cons:

  • Didn’t plump up fantastically
  • Not a true yellow cake color–they came out kind of dark.

Overall Score: 3/5

Aldi LiveGFree Gluten Free Vanilla Yellow Cake Mix

Aldi has a great variety of gluten free baking mixes including cake, brownies, and more! 

To make this cake mix you’ll need:

We baked ours in mini silicone cupcake pans sprayed with and mixed with my Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer using the whisk attachment.

Pros:

  • Not grainy!
  • VERY Affordable
  • Rises well
  • True yellow cake color and flavor

Cons:

  • Only available at Aldi
  • Our local Aldi doesn’t always have this item in stock

Overall Score: 4.5/5

Krusteaz and Aldi Mini cupcakes
Krusteaz mini cupcakes (left) and LiveGFree mini cupcakes (right)

Keep on reading for reviews of premade gluten-free frosting AND an awesome FREEBIE just for you.

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Gluten-Free Frosting

Simple Mills Organic Chocolate Frosting

Canned Simple Mills Organic chocolate frosting when stirred in the can
The frosting when I first stirred it in the can, you can see it’s super airy!

My little 2 year old niece is not only gluten-free, but dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free.  Finding a gluten-free premade frosting can be challenging enough, but throwing in dairy, soy, and nut free also?  I wondered if it would be impossible.  With all the other things that pile up on to-do lists, I don’t want to think about making something from scratch.  When I found this canned frosting, I was so excited!  I knew that I could pair it with the King Arthur gluten-free cake mix above and have a cake that is safe for her to eat too!  It can also be paired with the Simple Mills cake mixes to stay fairly Paleo friendly.  I followed the directions and ensured that the frosting was room-temperature before attempting to spread it on my cake.   Here’s my review:

 

Pros:

Gluten-free cake made with King Arthur's gluten-free cake mix and Simple Mills organic chocolate frosting
The finished product!
  • Comes in a can, ready to go.  No prep!
  • Only 8 clean, easy recognizable, ingredients (have you looked at the ingredients lists of other canned frosting??)
  • The flavor is yummy! It’s very chocolatey. (Due to coconut oil as a main ingredient I was concerned about an overpowering coconut taste. There isn’t one!)

Cons:

  • It was a little difficult to spread. The frosting was very thick, so it was a bit tricky to spread it without tearing the cake.  Note: tricky but not  I was able to frost an entire cake without many crumbs at all!  It just took some extra care.
  • When we sliced & served the cake, the frosting stuck to the cake server instead of the cake.

Overall Score: 4/5

Update: We just tried Simple Mills’ Vanilla Frosting.  It was good too–I personally like the chocolate better (because, chocolate!), but Tyler was a bigger fan of the vanilla.  I personally found the vanilla to be more sweet and less rich than the chocolate.  Also, due to the stickiness and stiffness of the frosting when I used it before, I microwaved this can (remove the foil first!) for 7 seconds and then stirred it up.  It was SO easy to spread!

Be sure to add some of these gluten-free cake mixes to your meal plan and shopping list.  I created a weekly meal planner and shopping list just for you!

Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing easy dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!

Looking for more gluten-free recipes or tips?

Here are more recipes and tips you will LOVE:

 

15+ GLUTEN-FREE LUNCH IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL 

gluten free lunch ideas pin 1

15+ GLUTEN-FREE LUNCH IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

It’s August—which means it’s almost time for back to school.  Coming up with lunch ideas for school can be challenging in general, but extra challenging when you need to come up with gluten-free lunch ideas!  This is especially important if your school cafeteria does not accommodate your child’s specific gluten-free needs (not to mention adding in the complexity of needing nut-free, dairy-free, or vegan lunches).  Due to this, it’s so important to plan ahead when it comes to prepping lunch for your gluten-free child.

Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!

…and of course, you should join my EXCLUSIVE Facebook community “Stress-Free Gluten-Free” by clicking here!

I like to make a list of the lunches I’ll pack that week (I usually pick 2 ideas a week and alternate days so they don’t get too bored with what I pack!).  Then I plan it on my menu planner and shopping list.   I also keep a couple fall back ideas available for when I just can’t even.  You know what I mean. 😉  You can download your own weekly menu planner and shopping list here for FREE so you’re not caught off guard.

Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine?
Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!

I have a couple ideas that I use over and over for my kids—but the variety is lacking.  I needed some more ideas, so I reached out to some blogger friends and they shared some of their gluten-free lunch ideas.  And now, I share them with you. 😊 Here’s a roundup of 15+ gluten-free lunch ideas for back to school!

This post contains affiliate links.  These links help me to earn enough money to refill my coffee so I can keep up with life!  My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.


Main Star Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas!

These gluten-free lunch ideas are strong enough to be the main star of your kids’ lunch.  Throw in a couple sides and a drink and you’ll be all set. (Keep reading for sides ideas at the end!)

1. TURKEY CHEESE APPLE SANDWICHES

Turkey Cheese apple Sandwiches

(nut-free, leave out the cheese for dairy-free)

2. APPLE PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICHES

Apple-Peanut-Butter-Sandwiches

(dairy-free, vegan, substitute sun butter for a nut-free lunch!)

My kids aren’t huge fans of gluten-free bread (unless it’s toasted), so using apple slices as the “bread” of a sandwich is GENIUS!  These turkey & cheese apple sandwiches by We’re Parents (number 1) and these apple peanut butter sandwiches by Boulder Locavore (number 2) have the kids wanting more.

3. Easy Pizza Quesadillas

gluten-free pizza quesadillas 7

(nut-free, dairy-free or vegan option)

My recipe for these quesadillas with a pizza twist are easy to cook up and taste great warm or cold! Plus, you can fill them with any of your kids’ favorite pizza toppings.

4. VEGAN RAINBOW VEGETABLE TORTILLA WRAP

rainbow vegetable tortilla wrap

(dairy-free, nut-free—double check your hummus!, vegan)

If you’re trying to help your kid eat more veggies, this vegan wrap idea by Recipes from a Pantry is a sure winner!  Plus, look how pretty it is!

5. MUFFIN TIN SUSHI CUPS

MUFFIN TIN SUSHI CUPS (VEGAN + GF)

(dairy-free, nut-free, vegan)

Is your gluten-free kid a lover of world cuisine?  These muffin tin sushi cups by Rhian’s Recipes will be perfect!  Just make sure that your soy sauce is gluten-free—or use coconut aminos.  Plus—these are great to make ahead and use throughout the week.

6. GLUTEN-FREE GRILLED CHEESE KABOBS

Gluten-free-Grilled-Cheese-and-Ham-Kabobs

Sometimes you just need a classic lunch idea.  These gluten-free grilled cheese kabobs by My Gluten-Free Kitchen are not only a classic choice, but putting bite sized pieces on a kabob make them totally fun as well!

7. HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA LUNCHABLES

Homemade-Gluten-Free-Pizza-Lunchables-Vegan-Allergy-Free-Grain-Free-4

(dairy-free, nut-free, vegan)

Every kid loves Lunchables!  If your gluten-free kid is disappointed they don’t get Lunchables like everyone else, pack them this gluten-free copycat by Strength and Sunshine.  This recipe makes 3 servings (see—prepping ahead) and the crust is not only gluten-free, but grain-free as well.  (If dairy-free cheese isn’t your thing, just sub regular mozzarella and any toppings you wish).

8. EASY ASIAN TUNA VERMICELLI NOODLE SALAD

Chilled-Tuna-Noodle-Salad

(dairy-free, nut free)

My girls LOVE noodles—they are so fun to eat!  This Asian tuna vermicelli noodle salad by Fearless Dining is one of those lunches that kids find fun to eat.  This recipe makes 4 servings—and you’ll find yourself packing it for lunch too!

9. The Best Low Carb Ham and Egg Cups

ham-and-cheese-muffins

(nut-free, to make it dairy free leave out the cheese and use a non-dairy milk)

If your child has access to a microwave to heat up their lunch, pack them these ham & egg cups by Easy Low Carb Recipes.  They are packed with protein and have veggies for an extra health punch!  This is another make-ahead option for easy prep.  Just make sure your cooking spray is gluten-free!  My favorite is this one by Chosen Foods.

10. CRUSTLESS PIZZA – LOW CARB HAM AND CHEESE

low-carb-crustless-pizza-ham-cheese-land-768x512

(nut-free)

Every kid loves pizza.  This crustless pizza by Low Carb Yum is another great protein-filled option for kids who can heat their lunches.  This is another one of the gluten-free lunch ideas that you can prep ahead of time for the coming week!

10. Annie’s Gluten-Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Microwavable Macaroni & Cheese Cups

(nut-free)

If your kid has access to a microwave at lunch, keep a couple of these hidden in the pantry for those times when you just couldn’t get your planning together for gluten-free lunch ideas.  These will save you!

12. CAULIFLOWER LETTUCE WRAPS

(dairy free, nut free)

These portable lettuce wraps by Kiss my Keto are simple and easy to make ahead. Plus, the cauliflower makes for the perfect ‘hidden veggie’ for kids.

Meal Booster Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas!

These gluten-free lunch ideas are great additions to pack as a snack, add in as a side, or could totally be the star for a younger or light eater.

13. CRACKERS, CHEESE, AND PEPPERONI

(nut-free–depending on cracker ingredients)

This is one of my kids’ favorite lunches.  I cut up some cheese, add some gluten-free pepperoni (I like Applegate Farms), and some gluten-free crackers.  Easy peasy!  You could do this with other lunch meats as well for a gluten-free kind of Lunchable.

14. YOGURT, FRUIT, & GRANOLA

(for nut-free choose nut-free granola.  For dairy-free/vegan, use coconut or soy yogurt)

This is another fallback idea for my kids.  They love to make a parfait of yogurt, fruit, and granola in their lunch.  I pack it all separate and they love to add the fruit and granola to their yogurt at lunch time.  Just make sure that your granola is certified gluten-free!

Learn more about gluten-free certification and what it means here!

I actually really love this Paleo granola because it has low sugar levels and doesn’t contain oats and other grains.  Thrive Market makes a bunch of Paleo granola flavors as well: the pumpkin pie one is totally one of our favorites!

Click here to learn more about Thrive Market, get a free trial, and to save $20 off our first order.

15. KETO BANANA BREAD MUFFINS WITH ALMOND FLOUR

low-carb-banana-bread-muffins-13

My kids love muffins and they love bananas.  These keto banana bread muffins by Savory Tooth are a slam dunk for them! Make sure you include a pat of butter.  Plus, since these are made out of almond flour, they have a good amount of protein and won’t cause a sugar crash!

16. CHEDDAR BACON BISCUITS

biscuits-2

(dairy-free)

These cheddar bacon biscuits by Pink Fortitude will keep your child full!  Plus, since the recipe makes a large batch of 20 biscuits I’d freeze some for last-minute lunches.

17. PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS

vegan-peanut-butter-protein-balls-2-650x433

(dairy-free, vegan option)

These peanut butter protein balls by Texanerin Baking may taste like dessert—but are truly a healthy addition to lunch!  Just make sure to use purity protocol oats like these to ensure against the cross-contamination often present in oats.

Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas: Additions and Sides

Here are some of my favorite sides to add in with these gluten-free lunch ideas!

Bonus: click here for my roundup of 11 favorite gluten-free snack ideas!

Do you have another favorite gluten-free lunch idea?  Comment below and share it with us.  And don’t forget—download your FREE weekly menu planner and shopping list below so you are always prepared with your favorite gluten-free lunch ideas!

Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing easy dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!

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